Mooring-Line Energy Conversion for Reliable Floating Wind Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Offshore wind farms face challenges such as power fluctuations due to varying wind strength, unexpected shutdowns, and the need for auxiliary systems to operate independently of wind turbine output.

Innovation Solution

An offshore energy production facility with a floating platform, wind turbines, mooring lines, and energy generation/storage systems that convert mechanical tension from ocean currents and platform oscillations into electrical energy, supplemented by auxiliary systems like alarm and control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wind turbines are used for offshore power generation, then energy production capability is improved, but power supply reliability deteriorates due to shutdowns during low wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy production capabilityVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines wind turbine power generation with wave energy conversion systems on the same floating platform. The wind turbines generate electricity during windy conditions, while the wave energy converters (oscillating water columns) generate electricity during wave motion, creating a hybrid system that maintains power supply reliability across varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements energy storage systems (batteries, supercapacitors) that store excess electricity generated during high wind/wave conditions and discharge during low wind conditions or turbine shutdowns. This ensures continuous power supply to auxiliary systems and maintains operational reliability without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Device complexity

If wind turbines operate independently without energy storage, then device complexity is reduced, but power output stability deteriorates due to wind strength variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpower output stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements energy storage systems that pre-charge during periods of high wind generation and pre-discharge during periods of low wind or turbine shutdown. This preliminary charging and discharging action smooths out power output variations and maintains stable electricity supply to the grid and auxiliary systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If auxiliary systems are powered directly by wind turbine output, then energy efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when wind turbines shut down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidauxiliary system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces energy storage systems as an intermediary between the wind turbines and auxiliary systems. The storage systems buffer the connection, allowing auxiliary systems to receive stable power even when wind turbines shut down. The storage systems are charged from wind turbine output during operation and discharge to auxiliary systems during shutdowns, maintaining reliability without direct coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If multiple floating platforms are connected by mooring lines, then energy generation from mechanical tension is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidmooring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the mooring lines to serve dual functions: providing mechanical support and stabilization for the floating platforms while simultaneously acting as energy generation systems. The mechanical tension and oscillations in the mooring lines during platform movement drive generators to produce electricity, converting what would be purely structural elements into productive energy-generating components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures continuous power supply to auxiliary systems, smooths power variations, and extends turbine lifespan by stabilizing the platform, even during wind turbine shutdowns or low wind conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the or at least one energy generation and/or storage system includes a kinetic energy-to-electrical energy converter, for example a rotating electric generator or a linear motion electric generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy-to-electrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a floating platform, an energy production system mounted on the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4641012A1Offshore energy conversion facility

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH

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AI summary

This disclosure relates to an offshore power generation facility (100) comprising a floating platform (110), a power generation system mounted on the platform and preferably including at least one wind turbine (120), a mooring line (130, 140) connected to the platform, and a system for generating and/or storing energy (G2, G1), for example, electricity, from mechanical tension exerted on the mooring line. This constitutes an enhanced offshore power generation facility.